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Is individual health insurance right for me?

Who is this for?

If you're exploring health coverage options, this will help you understand whether an individual insurance plan is right for you.

Health insurance you buy on your own—not through an employer or association—is called individual coverage. It could be right for you if you are:

Self-employed

In between jobs for more than three months

No longer covered by a parent's health care plan

Unable to get affordable coverage through an employer

Age 65 or older

If you're under age 65

If you don't have a plan through an employer, individual coverage is not only right, it's required for almost everyone by the Affordable Care Act. You might have to pay a penalty if you go without coverage.

Think you can't afford health insurance on your own? The first thing you can do is use our subsidy estimator to see if you're eligible for financial assistance. Many people are.